Alcohol, mood and sleep: myth or fact?

Does a nightcap help you sleep? Does a drink calm your nerves? Does alcohol affect you more as you age? Ten quick questions, checked against NIAAA.

Just for reflection and learning — not a test or a diagnosis.

Keep going on WhySigh

Alcohol in later life Substance use and addiction Night Sky Sleep Diary CBT for insomnia (CBT-I)Anxiety test (GAD-7)

More quizzes

Depression: myth or fact? How much do you know about anxiety? Sleep myths: test what you know Normal aging or dementia? Therapy myths: what is it really like? Suicide myths and facts: how to help someone ADHD: myth or fact? Bipolar disorder: myth or fact?All quizzes →

Sources

Common questions

Does alcohol help you sleep?

Not in a helpful way. Drinking to help poor sleep can make sleep problems worse, and even moderate amounts can change the way you sleep.

Why does alcohol affect older adults more?

With less muscle and body water, older adults can reach higher blood alcohol levels, alcohol stays in the body longer, and many take medicines that interact with it.

Where can I get help with drinking?

Talk with your doctor. In the US, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is free, confidential and open 24/7 for treatment referrals and information.